Genesis 29-31

“I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred" (31:13).  During Jacob’s 20 years of working for his father-in-law, Laban treated him with the same manipulation and deceit that Jacob had used against Isaac and Esau (31:7).  However, while humbling Jacob, God had not deserted him.  He offered Jacob another chance to know “the God of Bethel,” and to return to the land of promise.

“Here I am!” (31:11).  God loves us despite our failures and complicated lives.  He calls us by name and invites us to respond in faith and obedience.